AT THE CAPITOL
A portion of federal funding will be released by the state Legislature to Hays CISD, but millions are still in limbo. (Jack Flagler/Community Impact Newspaper)
Some federal funding for Hays CISD released day after resolution passed
Federal funding is set aside for public schools to address effects of the pandemic. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)
Why Texas has not yet distributed $18 billion in federal funds intended for public schools
The Texas Senate passed a bill March 29 aimed at overhauling the state's energy market. (Jack Flagler/Community Impact Newspaper)
Texas Senate passes bill mandating changes to state energy market in wake of winter storm
Lawmakers have returned to the Capitol for the 87th Texas Legislature. (Jack Flagler/Community Impact Newspaper)
Proposed curriculum, funding changes: 14 public education bills filed in the 87th Texas Legislature
House Bill 3580 would establish a minimum teacher salary of $70,000 annually and would account for an inflation adjustment and increase. (Ali Linan/Community Impact Newspaper)
Minimum teacher compensation bill filed in Texas Legislature
While not all of the bills announced have been filed as of March 9, according to the Texas Legislature Online, legislators have until March 12 to file bills for consideration in the 2021 session. (Ali Linan/Community Impact Newspaper)
After winter storm, electricity reform dominates House, Senate priorities for 87th Texas Legislature
Snow covers I-45 in Houston during a winter storm that hit Texas the night of Feb. 14. (Shawn Arrajj/Community Impact Newspaper)
Legislators probe energy officials over power failures, lack of preparation heading into winter storm
If approved, the bill would also establish goals for emissions reductions by 2030, 2040 and 2050. (Courtesy James Talarico)
After Winter Storm Uri, Rep. James Talarico files climate action plan in Texas House
The process will start with a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott but has the potential to escalate to a legal battle with the state of Texas. (Ali Linan/Community Impact Newspaper)
San Marcos may challenge governor over COVID-19 restrictions
(Courtesy House photography)
Williamson County state legislators set priorities as session begins
(Courtesy Ejaz Karamali)
Williamson County state legislators set priorities as session begins
After every decennial census, states and local jurisdictions must go through a process known as redistricting: redrawing the boundaries for representation. (Ali Linan/Community Impact Newspaper)
More congressional seats, equal populations: What redistricting means for Texas in 2021
House Bill 332 would provide millions in state aid funds and authorize schools to use compensatory education allotment funds to hire counselors for social-emotional needs, train teachers through trauma-informed care methods and create social-emotional programs. (Jack Flagler/Community Impact Newspaper)
State Rep. James Talarico files house bill to implement social-emotional learning programs in Texas schools
The bill is one of several Schwertner plans to put forward during the 87th Texas legislative session, which begins Jan. 12. (Ali Linan/Community Impact Newspaper)
State Sen. Charles Schwertner focuses on college affordability in new bill
The 87th legislative session will begin Jan. 12, 2021. (Courtesy Fotolia)
State Rep. John Bucy's initial legislation priorities include Medicaid expansion, voting rights
Gov. Greg Abbott announced a proposal Aug. 18 to keep cities from increasing property tax revenue if they decrease police department funding. (Screenshot of April 17 press conference)
Gov. Greg Abbott says he will freeze cities' abilities to increase property tax revenue if they cut police funding
Texas schools reopening
Gov. Greg Abbott: Texas students will return to school campuses this fall
State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez announced March 7 he is officially seeking election for the state Senate District 14 seat. (Courtesy Eddie Rodriguez)
State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez officially jumps into race for Kirk Watson’s Senate seat
Texas state capitol
State Rep. Erin Zwiener to hold town halls in Buda and San Marcos Nov. 12 and 14